Talking with industry members from nearly every outdoor showroom at Casual Market Atlanta earlier this month, a common question I was asked is: What is Design Days and is it a second Casual Market?
A release from Andmore, formerly International Market Centers, says that Outdoor Design Days “offers sourcing and education for the casual and outdoor furniture industry and provides an additional opportunity in the fall to source in AmericasMart Atlanta’s nearly 50 casual furniture and outdoor furnishings showrooms.”
Having learned more about it and the opportunities it offers for intimate face-time with designers, the short answer to everyone’s questions is that Design Days is whatever you make it.
Part of the logic behind the move of the Casual Market to Atlanta is that AmericasMart is frequently shopped by a large number of designers because of the many shows that take place there. For instance, Design Days takes place during the fall market — each March and September merchandise is showcased in AmericasMart’s 400+ open-year-round showrooms, and designers are the primary attendee.
So should you be there?
Over the past five years, designers have embraced the outdoor industry more than ever before. But there’s still so much education needed, not only about materials but also about the variety of different brands out there. Design Days is a chance to show designers what you’ve got and potentially gain new customers that often work on big-budget projects.
It’s not necessarily going to be like a second Casual Market, and a nimble team of sales reps may be all that’s needed to talk to potential customers. There doesn’t seem to be a downside to being open — especially when showrooms on floors 2-4 are already open year-round.
And Design Days won’t be just for designers. For some retailers, September works better for travel and buying, and it may present an opportunity for manufacturers to see retailers who didn’t come in July. I also know from speaking with several retailers that they may postpone buying until September anyways.
In my opinion, it’s going to be a more relaxed Casual Market where the executive teams might not fly out, but great sales reps will be ready to speak with interior designers and outdoor retailers that are taking one last look before placing final orders in September.
The event is co-produced by International Casual Furnishings Association and runs Sept. 18-20. Discover ADAC runs Sept. 19-21.
